The benefits of having a brighter smile with teeth whitening services in Kirkland, WA

Teeth whitening is probably the most economical and least invasive cosmetic dental treatment available, yet it can make a dramatic improvement in your appearance. You have probably seen it in the smiles of friends, co-workers, and family members who have had their teeth whitened professionally. What you may not realize, however, is that having teeth whitened could provide additional benefits in terms of oral health, overall wellness, and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Ann Kelley of Kingsgate Dental in Kirkland, WA explains these concepts.

You know your mouth is in good condition at the outset

An ethical dentist will not suggest or perform cosmetic treatment until existing oral health issues have been addressed.

At Kingsgate Dental, the teeth whitening process goes something like this:

• You receive a thorough teeth cleaning. This procedure removes harmful oral bacteria, plaque, and hardened tartar. It improves the oral environment and prepares your teeth for more effective whitening.
• Dr. Kelley conducts a comprehensive dental examination. She is vigilant for tooth decay; measures periodontal pockets to assess signs of gum disease; and checks for chips, cracks, or other potential problems. The doctor then recommends treatment, if any is necessary. If you were to proceed with whitening without having cavities repaired or gum disease treated, you could experience unusual sensitivity or soft tissue injury.
• Now you are cleared for teeth whitening! Dr. Kelley takes impressions of your mouth. She uses them as molds to fabricate application trays. You receive a supply of medical grade whitening gel, and a treatment schedule customized to your needs. While her method has an excellent record for comfortable whitening, the strength of the bleaching agent can be adjusted, a buffering ingredient added, or the wearing schedule modified if your teeth are very sensitive.

Simply put, when you begin a program of at-home whitening in Dr. Kelley’s care, you do so with the assurance that your dental condition is very good.

Your mouth may become healthier as a result of whitening

While teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, it can have secondary oral health advantages.

First, the active ingredient in a teeth whitening formulation is peroxide. It is generally a molecule comprised of two atoms of oxygen bound with two atoms of hydrogen. When activated by air, the compound oxidizes – a chemical reaction that loosens staining pigments embedded in the enamel and lifts them to the surface. Oxidation also kills oral bacteria, by disrupting their cellular structure. So, the natural antiseptic properties of whitening may reduce microbial pathogens, making your mouth cleaner and reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease caused by bacteria.

Second, most patients are quite pleased with their brighter smiles, and want to preserve the effects of whitening. They may improve their daily brushing and flossing habits, stop using tobacco, or limit consumption of beverages that stain teeth. That can give oral health a boost, and have a beneficial impact on overall wellness, too.

Whitening could heighten your emotional wellbeing

When you feel confident that your teeth look sparkling white, you are likely to smile more often.

Each smile triggers messages from stress-fighting neuropeptides that stimulate contentment. Additionally, smiling releases endorphins and dopamine, happiness neurotransmitters that reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. The resulting physical relaxation can act as an organic pain reliever. Serotonin, also released each time you smile, is a natural anti-depressant. Higher levels of serotonin in the brain boost your mood and may promote learning and memory.

Brighter smiles affect others, too

Smiling is infectious. People instinctively imitate a smile – even one they see in a photograph. Smiling at another person usually causes him or her to smile back, and that individual gets the emotional benefits mentioned above, as a result of your teeth whitening treatment.

Psychological studies indicate that when humans see an attractive smile, the reward region of the brain (orbitofrontal cortex) is activated. In more direct terms, we feel rewarded when we see a person with white teeth smiling. This reaction may be a holdover from our ancestors. In early cultures, white teeth were a sign of adequate food and robust health – a strong hunter/gatherer that would make a good partner or protector.

Imagine the advantages, in a career setting or social scene, of others feeling rewarded when they see your smile. In this indirect way, a small investment in teeth whitening could make a big difference in your future!

Would you like to become one of the patients in Kirkland, WA enjoying the benefits of having teeth whitening? Call Kingsgate Dental at (425) 385-0080 to schedule an exam and consultation.

Ann Kelley, DDS

Dr. Ann Kelley is a graduate of the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. She highly values the comfort of her patients, and places the needs of the patient above her convenience. Her dental clinic is built to bring the best and most comfortable dental experience to all her patients. She builds relationships with her patients based on trust and always acts to safeguard this trust.